Week 15 Talking Points: Bengals’ personnel should mean big role for Broncos cornerback Bryce Callahan

Through 13 games, Cincinnati and the Broncos have winning records for the first time in six and five years, respectively. The two 7-6 teams meet Sunday (2:05 p.m.) with their playoff hopes likely on the line. Here are three talking points to start Week 15:

1. Callahan will be needed

Broncos cornerback Bryce Callahan (knee) is expected to play his first game since Week 8. He was activated from injured reserve last Saturday, but did not play a snap against Detroit, in uniform only as a precaution. “I think he’ll be ready to play this week,” coach Vic Fangio said. “He was ready to (play against the Lions), but I think after another week of practice, he’ll be even more ready.” Callahan, the Broncos’ nickel back, will likely be tasked to cover slot receiver Tyler Boyd (55 catches). In its loss to San Francisco, Cincinnati used “11” personnel (3WR-1TE-1RB) on 57 of their 71 offensive snaps, which means heavy playing time for Callahan.

2. Special teams debacle

Edge to the Broncos’ special teams in this game. Cincinnati had a special teams debacle against San Francisco, gifting the 49ers 10 points. Darius Phillips muffed punts in the first and second quarters and the 49ers recovered both fumbles; he is tied for the NFL lead with four punt fumbles and Boyd took over the punt return role in the second half. There’s more. Stanley Morgan muffed a kickoff he recovered at his 14-yard line. And kicker Evan McPherson missed a 46-yard field goal. By comparison, the Broncos’ special teams have committed only one turnover this year, a fumble at Kansas City when Caden Sterns crashed into returner Diontae Spencer.

3. Bengals improved vs. run

Last year, Cincinnati had one of the NFL’s worst rush defenses, allowing 148 yards per game (29th), 5.1 yards per carry (second-most) and 20 carries of at least 20 yards (second-most). This year, the Bengals are fourth in the league (93.1) against the run and 12th in yards allowed per carry (4.1). Defensive tackle DJ Reader, who drew interest from the Broncos but signed a four-year, $53 million contract with the Bengals in March 2020, is healthy after playing only five games last year and has 30 run-game tackles. Larry Ogunjobi, playing on a one-year deal, has 31 run-game tackles. A tough assignment for the Broncos offensive line.

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